STPS

How can I retain truck drivers?

We have talked to you about exit interviews, and those can be extremely helpful. The problem is you have already lost that employee.  We want to help you retain employees. The best way to do this is with “check-ins” or stay interviews.

It is becoming harder and harder to find good workers right now. We know; we just went through the hunt to find a new employee ourself. We had been feeling the growing pains and the stress that comes with it. We knew it was time to hire. As we waited for the right candidate to come in, we also wanted to make sure our current staff didn’t feel too much of the stress, get burnt out and leave before we could get them more help. So we did an extra check in!

What is a check in or stay interview?

Simple. It’s a one-on-one conversation between the employee and the manager or owner. It’s not a big formal meeting. You should have a brief list of questions that will help you learn how to keep the employee engaged along with finding any potential changes and problems that could be making things more complicated, causing stress, or could cause them to leave.

How do you start?

The first step would be for the owner, HR, and or Mangers to talk and identify the people to interview. These people could be key talent, stressed, brand new, or all of the above. You will then want to schedule a time to talk with them. Make sure to share why you are having this meeting & they are not “in trouble”. You may not think that thought will cross their mind, but trust me it will.  

What should you tell them in the start of the check in?

Be honest. Let them know that you have been happy with their work. By doing this you are letting them know that you want them to stick around, and that you vale their feedback.

What questions do you ask?

Asking open-ended questions are best. They will give the employee the opportunity to fully share. You should be ready to really listen and, if needed, ask more questions to get to the route of things.

At the end of the interview be sure to recap all the things you and the employee have discussed to be sure you have a good understanding of everything. Don’t forget to thank them for their time, input, and for doing a great job.  

Need a few ideas for questions?

  • What are your favorite parts of your job?

  • What are your least favorite parts of your job?

  • Do you feel like you need more training or better tools to do your job?

  • Have you ever reached a point when you have thought about leaving? What caused this?

  • Are their things you think we could so a better job of as a company?

  • Are there ways I can support you better?  

Keep it going!

Now that you have started this check-in or stay interview process keep it going! We like to do our check-ins once a quarter and as needed throughout the year. Chose a schedule that works for you and your company and stick with it. You will be amazed at the reduction of turn over by having these meetings. The meeting it’s self won’t make the change. You truly listening and being willing to make changes if needed is the true key to this.

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